Powerhouse circling Suns star as fan favourite draws interest from multiple clubs: Trade Whispers

Powerhouse circling Suns star as fan favourite draws interest from multiple clubs: Trade Whispers

Collingwood is reportedly targeting star Suns forward Ben King, however it’s believed if he departed Gold Coast, it’d be to team up alongside twin brother Max at St Kilda.

King is set to be one of the most in-demand stars when he comes out of contract at the end of the 2024 season after signing a two-year extension with the Suns last year.

And according to AFL journalist Tom Browne, the Magpies have launched a bid for the 22-year old’s services.

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Round 6

King is out of contract at the end of 2024 (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)Source: FOX SPORTS

“Collingwood is, my understanding, chasing Gold Coast’s Ben King,” Browne said on Triple M.

“But my information this week is that King is more likely to stay at the Gold Coast, or play with his brother Max.

“So I would have thought Collingwood were outsiders in that regard at this stage, (but) I wouldn’t discount them.”

Max is contracted at St Kilda until the end of 2026 after penning a four-year extension in 2021.

It comes in Ben’s indifferent return from an ACL injury that sidelined him for all of last season, having kicked seven goals from five games this year.

King’s slow start has gone hand-in-hand with the Suns’ lacklustre form, currently sitting 16th on the ladder with just one win.

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RIVALS CIRCLING PIES FORWARD

Multiple rival clubs are keeping tabs on Collingwood forward Ash Johnson, reports AFL Media.

The Magpies are reportedly keen to re-sign the 25-year old to a multi-year deal beyond 2023, but other clubs are monitoring the West Australian’s status.

Johnson booted 15 goals from nine games in the back-half of last season to quickly become a fan favourite among the Collingwood faithful.

However the Halls Creek product started this year outside Craig McRae’s best 22 before earning a reprieve amid the club’s key position injury crisis including providing relief in the ruck.

He’s currently in his third year on the Magpies’ rookie list after getting picked up in the 2021 mid-season draft.